Body Composition in International Sprint Swimmers: Are There Any Relations with Performance?

The paper addresses relations between the characteristics of body composition in international sprint swimmers and sprint performance. The research included 82 swimmers of international level (N = 46 male and N = 36 female athletes) from 8 countries. We measured body composition using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance methods with "InBody 720" device. In the case of male swimmers, it was established that the most important statistically significant correlation with sprint performance is seen in variables, which define the quantitative relationship between their fat and muscle with the contractile potential of the body (Protein-Fat Index, r = 0.392, p = 0.007; Index of Body Composition, r = 0.392, p = 0.007; Percent of Skeletal Muscle Mass, r = 0.392, p = 0.016). In the case of female athletes, statistically significant relations with sprint performance were established for variables that define the absolute and relative amount of a contractile component in the body, but also with the variables that define the structure of body fat characteristics (Percent of Skeletal Muscle Mass, r = 0.732, p = 0.000; Free Fat Mass, r = 0.702, p = 0.000; Fat Mass Index, r = -0.642, p = 0.000; Percent of Body Fat, r = -0.621, p = 0.000). Using Multiple Regression Analysis, we managed to predict swimming performance of sprint swimmers with the help of body composition variables, where the models defined explained 35.1 and 75.1% of the mutual variability of performance, for male and female swimmers, respectively. This data clearly demonstrate the importance of body composition control in sprint swimmers as a valuable method for monitoring the efficiency of body adaptation to training process in order to optimize competitive performance.

Brain manifestations secondary to auricular myxoma.

Cardiac myxoma is the most common benign tumor of the heart. In most cases, it is in the left atrium, which can generate neurological embolization; that can manifest as an ischemic event, aneurysm formation and less frequently as brain metastases. This is a case report of a 56-year-old male patient with cerebral embolisms secondary to a left cardiac myxoma. In these patients, the role of neurologic imaging is to detect the firsts complications and avoid secondary complications.

Evaluation of Perioperative High-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I as a Predictive Biomarker of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Noncardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Various studies suggest that perioperative concentrations of high-sensitivity troponins are incremental and predictive factors of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and all-cause mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in the development of MACE and all-cause mortality, within 30-days and 1-year follow-up after noncardiac surgery. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we included men ≥ 45 years and women ≥ 55 years with ≥ 2 cardiovascular risk factors and undergoing intermediate or high-risk noncardiac surgery. Demographic and clinical information was collected from clinical charts. We measured baseline hs-cTnI 24 h before surgery, and its post-operative concentration 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: In the entire sample, 8 patients (8.6%) developed MACE at 30-days follow-up (4 deaths), 12 (12.9%) within the 1st year (7 deaths), and 17 (18.2%) after complete post-surgical follow-up (10 deaths). We observed higher baseline and post-operative concentrations in patients who presented MACE (12 pg/ml vs. 3.5 pg/ml; p = 0.001 and 18.3 pg/ml vs. 5.45 pg/ml; p = 0.009, respectively). The hazard ratios (HRs) calculated by Cox regression analysis between the hs-cTnI baseline concentration and the post-operative development of MACE at 30-days and 1-year were 5.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-29.40) with hs-cTnI > 6.2 pg/ml and 12.86 (95% CI, 1.42-116.34) with hs-cTnI > 3.3 pg/ml, respectively. The estimated post-operative HR death risk at 1-year was 14.43 (95% CI, 1.37-151.61) with hs-cTnI > 4.5 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative hs-cTnI was an independent predictive risk factor for MACE at 30-days and 1-year after noncardiac surgery and for all-cause mortality at 1-year after noncardiac surgery.

EVALUATION OF PERIOPERATIVE HIGH-SENSITIVE CARDIAC TROPONIN I AS A PREDICTIVE BIOMARKER OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AFTER NONCARDIAC SURGERY.

BACKGROUND: Various studies suggest that perioperative concentrations of high-sensitivity troponins are incremental and predictive factors of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and all-cause mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in the development of MACE and all-cause mortality, within 30-days and 1-year follow-up after noncardiac surgery. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we included men ≥ 45 years and women ≥ 55 years with ≥ 2 cardiovascular risk factors and undergoing intermediate or high-risk noncardiac surgery. Demographic and clinical information was collected from clinical charts. We measured baseline hs-cTnI 24 h before surgery, and its post-operative concentration 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: In the entire sample, 8 patients (8.6%) developed MACE at 30-days follow-up (4 deaths), 12 (12.9%) within the 1st year (7 deaths), and 17 (18.2%) after complete post-surgical follow-up (10 deaths). We observed higher baseline and post-operative concentrations in patients who presented MACE (12 pg/ml vs. 3.5 pg/ml; p = 0.001 and 18.3 pg/ml vs. 5.45 pg/ml; p = 0.009, respectively). The hazard ratios (HRs) calculated by Cox regression analysis between the hs-cTnI baseline concentration and the post-operative development of MACE at 30-days and 1-year were 5.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-29.40) with hs-cTnI > 6.2 pg/ml and 12.86 (95% CI, 1.42-116.34) with hs-cTnI > 3.3 pg/ml, respectively. The estimated post-operative HR death risk at 1-year was 14.43 (95% CI, 1.37-151.61) with hs-cTnI > 4.5 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative hs-cTnI was an independent predictive risk factor for MACE at 30-days and 1-year after noncardiac surgery and for all-cause mortality at 1-year after noncardiac surgery.

Evaluation of perioperative high-sensitive cardiac troponin i as a predictive biomarker of major adverse cardiovascular events after noncardiac surgery

ABSTRACT Background: Various studies suggest that perioperative concentrations of high-sensitivity troponins are incremental and predictive factors of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and all-cause mortality. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in the development of MACE and all-cause mortality, within 30-days and 1-year follow-up after noncardiac surgery. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we included men ≥ 45 years and women ≥ 55 years with ≥ 2 cardiovascular risk factors and undergoing intermediate or high-risk noncardiac surgery. Demographic and clinical information was collected from clinical charts. We measured baseline hs-cTnI 24 h before surgery, and its post-operative concentration 24 h after surgery. Results: In the entire sample, 8 patients (8.6%) developed MACE at 30-days follow-up (4 deaths), 12 (12.9%) within the 1st year (7 deaths), and 17 (18.2%) after complete post-surgical follow-up (10 deaths). We observed higher baseline and post-operative concentrations in patients who presented MACE (12 pg/ml vs. 3.5 pg/ml; p = 0.001 and 18.3 pg/ml vs. 5.45 pg/ml; p = 0.009, respectively). The hazard ratios (HRs) calculated by Cox regression analysis between the hs-cTnI baseline concentration and the post-operative development of MACE at 30-days and 1-year were 5.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-29.40) with hs-cTnI > 6.2 pg/ml and 12.86 (95% CI, 1.42-116.34) with hs-cTnI > 3.3 pg/ml, respectively. The estimated post-operative HR death risk at 1-year was 14.43 (95% CI, 1.37-151.61) with hs-cTnI > 4.5 pg/ml. Conclusions: Pre-operative hs-cTnI was an independent predictive risk factor for MACE at 30-days and 1-year after noncardiac surgery and for all-cause mortality at 1-year after noncardiac surgery.

Sirenomelia dipus en embarazo gemelar de madre adolescente. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Sirenomelia dipus in Twin Pregnancy in an Adolescent Mother. Case Report and Literature Review / Sirenomelia dipus em gestação gemelar de mãe adolescente. Relato de um caso e revisão da literatura

Resumen: La sirenomelia, también conocida como síndrome de la sirena, es una malformación congénita grave, generalmente incompatible con la vida, poco frecuente y de etiología aun no establecida, aunque se sospechan causas heterogéneas, específicamente, de origen vascular, pero que finalmente no han sido totalmente dilucidadas. Reporta una incidencia de 1 por cada 24 000-67 000 nacidos, caracterizada por la fusión de los miembros inferiores y asociada alteraciones en diferentes órganos y sistemas, entre las cuales las malformaciones renales son las más frecuentes. En el presente artículo reportamos el caso de un recién nacido, producto de embarazo gemelar con uno de los fetos que cursa con sirenomelia, sin diagnóstico prenatal, en un hospital de cuarto nivel, en Bogotá, Colombia.

Abstract: Sirenomelia, also known as siren syndrome, is a rare serious congenital malformation, generally incompatible with life, whose etiology has not yet been established. Although heterogeneous causes are suspected, specifically of vascular origin, they have not been fully elucidated. It reports an incidence of 1 per 24,000-67,000 newborns and is characterized by the fusion of the lower limbs and associated alterations in various organs and systems, among which kidney malformations are the most frequent. This article reports the case of a newborn, product of twin pregnancy, who has sirenomelia without a prenatal diagnosis at a fourth-level hospital in Bogotá, Colombia.

Resumo: A sirenomelia, também conhecida como a "síndrome da sereia", é uma malformação congénita grave, geralmente incompatível com a vida, pouco frequente e de etiologia ainda não estabelecida, embora haja supostas causas heterogéneas, em específico, de origem vascular, mas que, finalmente, não são totalmente esclarecidas. Relatam uma incidência de 1 para cada 24 000-67 000 nascidos, caracterizada pela fusão dos membros inferiores e associada a alterações em diferentes órgãos e sistemas, entre as quais as malformações renais são as mais frequentes. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso de um recém-nascido, produto de uma gestação gemelar com um dos fetos que cursa com sirenomelia, sem diagnóstico pré-natal, em um hospital quaternário de Bogotá, Colômbia.

Bexarotene therapy ameliorates behavioral deficits and induces functional and molecular changes in very-old Triple Transgenic Mice model of Alzheimer´s disease.

INTRODUCTION: Bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor agonist, improves cognition in murine models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study evaluated the effects of bexarotene on pathological and electrophysiological changes in very old triple transgenic AD mice (3xTg-AD mice). METHODS: 24-month-old 3xTg-AD mice were treated with bexarotene (100 mg/kg/day for 30 days). The Morris water maze was used to evaluate spatial memory; immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate pathological changes; and in vivo electrophysiological recordings were used to evaluate basal transmission and plasticity in the commissural CA3-CA1 pathway. RESULTS: In addition to cognitive improvement, bexarotene-treated 3xTg-AD mice were found to have 1) reductions of astrogliosis and reactive microglia both in cortex and hippocampus; 2) increased ApoE expression restricted to CA1; 3) increased number of cells co-labeled with ApoE and NeuN; 4) recovery of NeuN expression, suggesting neuronal protection; and, 5) recovery of basal synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that bexarotene-induced improvement in cognition is due to multiple changes that contribute to recovery of synaptic plasticity.

Factors associated with non-specific low back pain in children aged 10-12 from Bucaramanga, Colombia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are no Colombian studies published that assess non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) risk factors in children. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with NSLBP in 73 children (19.2% girls) aged 10-12 years in one military school in Bucaramanga, Colombia. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to obtain information of risk factors. Subsequently, children's weight and height were measured. The backpack was weighed at the beginning of each day from Monday to Friday. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated, with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The one-month prevalence of NSLBP was 39.7% (95% CI 28.4-51.9). In the multivariate analysis, carrying backpacks wearing between 12% and 20% of body weight, having a perception that the backpack is very heavy, and being a passive smoker increase the likelihood of NSLBP, while being 11-year-old compared to 10-year-old decreases the likelihood of having NSLBP, adjusted for gender, body mass index, and history of LBP in parents. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of low back pain was found in children between 10 and 12 years old. The study of the decisive factors of low back pain is important to identify children at risk, as well as to develop efficient primary prevention programs.

Prevalencia de síntomas respiratorios y riesgo de obstrucción al flujo aéreo en ginebra - valle del cauca / Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and risk of obstruction to air flow in ginebra - valle del cauca / Prevalência de sintomas respiratórios e riscos de obstrução ao fluxo de aire em ginebra - valle del cauca

RESUMEN Antecedentes y Objetivo: La prevalência de los principales síntomas respiratorios en Ginebra (Valle del Cauca) es desconocida. Este estudio busca investigar la prevalencia de disnea, tos, sibilancias y expectoración en Ginebra, un municipio rural de Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, con una estrategia de muestreo por conglomerados para tener una muestra representativa de adultos mayores de 40 años. Cada paciente fue entrevistado con dos cuestionarios, el cuestionario de síntomas respiratorios Ferris validado para el español y el cuestionario de función pulmonar (LFQ), de este último, un puntaje menor o igual a 18 puntos fue considerado como riesgo de obstrucción al flujo aéreo. El análisis de datos fue realizado con software estadístico, el tamaño de muestra fue de 115 sujetos (prevalencia 50%, precisión 10% y porcentaje de pérdida del 20%), las variables cuantitativas se resumieron en frecuencias y porcentajes y las variables cuantitativas en medianas y rangos intercuartílicos, la prevalencia de síntomas respiratorios se calculó con un intervalo de confianza del 95% y se realizaron cruces exploratorios entre las variables de síntomas respiratorios y antecedentes exposicionales. Resultados: 146 sujetos, 2 pérdidas, mediana de edad 60,5 años (RIQ:22), 52,1% hombres, prevalencia de tos 18,1% (IC95%:11,8-24,3), expectoración 20,1% (IC95%:13,9-27,1), sibilancias 28,2% (IC95%:21,1-35,9), disnea 33,3% (IC95%:25-41), personas a riesgo de limitación flujo aéreo 19,4% (IC95%:14,2-28,4). En la realización de cruces exploratorios se obtuvo una relación entre el número de paquetes año y la presencia de tos (p=0,008), antecedente de exposición a leña y tos (p=0,008), número de paquetes año y expectoración (p=0,018), sibilancias y consumo de cigarrillo (p=0,047), disnea y antecedente de enfermedad coronaria (p=0,028), disnea y antecede de hipertensión arterial (p=0,037). Conclusión: La disnea es el síntoma respiratorio más frecuente en pacientes mayores de 40 años en Ginebra (Valle del Cauca), el antecedente de tabaquismo se relacionó con tos y sibilancias. La utilización de un cuestionario de síntomas respiratorios puede ser útil para identificar pacientes con riesgo de obstrucción al flujo aéreo cuando se compara con el auto-reporte de enfermedad respiratoria.

ABSTRACT Background and objective: The prevalence of main respiratory symptoms in Ginebra (Valle del Cauca) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate dyspnea, cough, wheezes and expectoration in Ginebra a Town of Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional design and a random, conglomerates-sampling strategy were used to provide representative samples of adults aged > 40 years. Each participant was interviewed with two questionnaires, validated Spanish version of the Ferris Respiratory Questionnaire and Lung Function Questionnaire (LFQ), of the latter, and a score less or equal 18 points was considered with risk of obstructive airflow. Analysis was performed using statistical software, sample size of 115 subjects (prevalence 50%, precision 10% and lost percentage 20%), the variables quantitative were summarized with frequencies and percentages, and the variables qualitative in Median and range interquartile, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms was calculated with CI95%, exploratory analysis were made with respiratory symptoms variables and exposure antecedents. Results: 146 participants, with 2 missing, Median of age 60,5 years (IQR: 22), 52,1% men, prevalence of cough 18,1% (CI95%: 11,8-24,3), expectoration 20,1% (IC95%:13,9-27,1), wheezes 28,2% (IC95%:21,1-35,9), dyspnea 33,3% (CI95%:25-41), subjects with risk of airflow obstruction 19,4% (CI95%:14,2-28,4). Exploratory analysis showed relationship between package-year index and cough (p=0,008), wood smoke exposure and cough (p=0,008), package-year index and expectoration (p=0,018), wheezes and smoking exposure (p=0,047), dyspnea and coronary disease (p=0,028), and dyspnea and arterial hypertension (p=0,037). Conclusion: Dyspnea is the respiratory symptom more frequent in Ginebra (Valle del Cauca), the antecedent of smoking was relationship with cough and wheezes. Using a questionnaire of respiratory symptoms can be useful to identify patients with risk of airflow obstruction, when is compared with the auto-report of respiratory disease.

RESUMO Antecedentes e objetivo: A prevalência de sintomas respiratórios principais em Ginebra (Valle del Cauca) é desconhecida. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a dispneia, tosse, sibilos e expectoração em Ginebra, uma cidade da Colômbia. Métodos: Um desenho transversal e uma estratégia aleatória de amostragem de conglomerados foram utilizados para fornecer amostras representativas de adultos com idade> 40 anos. Cada participante foi entrevistado com dois questionários, versão validada em espanhol do Questionário Respiratório Ferris e Questionário de Função Pulmonar (LFQ), sendo este último considerado menor ou igual a 18 pontos com risco de fluxo obstrutivo de ar. A análise foi realizada utilizando software estatístico, tamanho de amostra de 115 indivíduos (prevalência 50%, precisão 10% e porcentagem perdida de 20%), as variáveis quantitativas foram resumidas com freqüências e porcentagens, e as variáveis qualitativas na mediana e intervalo interquartil, a prevalência de Os sintomas respiratórios foram calculados com IC95%, foram realizadas análises exploratórias com variáveis de sintomas respiratórios e antecedentes de exposição. Resultados: 146 participantes, com 2 perdidos, médios de idade 60,5 anos (IQR: 22), 52,1% homens, prevalência de tosse 18,1% (CI95%: 11,8-24,3), expectoração 20, 1% (IC95%: 13,9-27,1), sibilos 28,2% (IC95%: 21,1-35,9), dispnéia 33,3% (CI95%: 25-41), indivíduos com risco de obstrução do fluxo aéreo 19,4% (CI95%: 14,2-28,4). A análise exploratória mostrou relação entre índice do ano da embalagem e tosse (p = 0,008), exposição à fumaça da madeira e tosse (p = 0,008), índice do ano da embalagem e expectoração (p = 0,018), sibilos e exposição ao tabagismo (p = 0,047) dispnéia e doença coronária (p = 0,028) e dispnéia e hipertensão arterial (p = 0,037). Conclusão: A disnea é o sintoma respiratório mais freqüente em Ginebra (Valle del Cauca), o antecedente do tabagismo foi relação com tosse e sibilância. O uso de um questionário de sintomas respiratórios pode ser útil para identificar pacientes com risco de obstrução do fluxo aéreo, quando comparados com o auto-relato de doenças respiratórias.

Overexpression of DJ-1 protects against C2-ceramide-induced neuronal death through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibition of autophagy.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Early-onset familial forms of PD are associated with mutations in several genes, including parkin, pink1 and dj-1. DJ-1 encodes a protein whose neuroprotective function has not been completely clarified yet. We aim to understand the neuroprotective mechanisms of DJ-1, in particular, DJ-1's involvement in the regulation of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway and neuronal autophagy in a neurotoxic context induced by C2-ceramide, by using CAD cells, a murine cathecolaminergic cell line. We demonstrated that C2-ceramide induces CAD cell death associated with decreased phosphorylation of PTEN at Ser380, AKT at Ser473, and mTOR at Ser2448; and increased of autophagic flux (increased LC3-II and autophagosome formation). Additionally, we showed that overexpression of DJ-1 protects against C2-ceramide-induced neuronal death and it is not associated with change in the phosphorylation of mTOR at Ser2448. In conclusion, these data suggest that DJ-1 reinforces the PI3K/AKT survival pathway and inhibits autophagy, probably by a mechanism independent from mTOR.

Silencing of PINK1 inhibits insulin-like growth factor-1-mediated receptor activation and neuronal survival.

The etiology of Parkinson's disease remains unknown. Mutations in PINK1 have provided an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this pathology. PINK1 and Parkin are important in the dismissal of dysfunctional mitochondria. However, the role of PINK1 in the control of neuronal survival pathways is not clear. To determine the role of PINK1 in the control of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway mediated by insulin-like grow factor type 1 (IGF-1), we use a model of mesencephalic neurons (CAD cells), which were transfected with lentiviral PINK1 shRNA or control shRNA constructs. Silencing of PINK1 was determined by RT-PCR and immunoblotting; cell viability was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays; proteins of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were tested by immunoblotting and IGF-1 receptor, and mitochondria were examined using fluorescence microscopy. PINK1 shRNA-transfected cells showed a reduction in cell survival compared to control shRNA cells. Exposure to IGF-1 induced a rapid and high increase in the phosphorylation level of IGF-1 receptor in control shRNA-transfected cells; however, silencing of PINK1 decreases phosphorylation level of IGF-1 receptor and downstream target proteins such as Akt, GSK3-beta, IRS-1, and hexokinase. Our results further suggest that PINK1 may be regulating the PI3K/Akt neuronal survival pathway through tyrosine kinase receptors such as IGF-1 receptor.

Downregulation of Pink1 influences mitochondrial fusion-fission machinery and sensitizes to neurotoxins in dopaminergic cells.

It is now well established that mitochondria are organelles that, far from being static, are subject to a constant process of change. This process, which has been called mitochondrial dynamics, includes processes of both fusion and fission. Loss of Pink1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) function is associated with early onset recessive Parkinson's disease and it has been proposed that mitochondrial dynamics might be affected by loss of the mitochondrial kinase. Here, we report the effects of silencing Pink1 on mitochondrial fusion and fission events in dopaminergic neuron cell lines. Cells lacking Pink1 were more sensitive to cell death induced by C2-Ceramide, which inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis. In the same cell lines, mitochondrial morphology was fragmented and this was enhanced by application of forskolin, which stimulates the cAMP pathway that phosphorylates Drp1 and thereby inactivates it. Cells lacking Pink1 had lower Drp1 and Mfn2 expression. Based on these data, we propose that Pink1 may exert a neuroprotective role in part by limiting mitochondrial fission.

Evaluación tridimensional de la vía aérea mediante tomografía computarizada de haz de cono / Three-dimensional assessment of airway through cone beam computed tomography

Fundamento: los cambios en la función normal de la vía aérea durante el proceso activo de crecimiento facial pueden tener una influencia significativa en el desarrollo facial. Objetivo: presentar la utilidad de la evaluación de la vía aérea mediante tomografía computarizada de haz de cono. Método: se revisaron las imágenes de 250 mujeres y 128 hombres a través del programa Sidexis para Galileos. La selección de las zonas a medir se determinó mediante las coordenadas que pasan por el conducto nasopalatino en el plano sagital y por la zona interproximal de los incisivos centrales superiores, en el plano coronal. Resultados: se observó una correlación negativa moderada pero estadísticamente significativa entre la edad del paciente y el área de la vía aérea en ambos sexos. Se encontró una correlación positiva moderada, estadísticamente significativa entre la longitud del velo del paladar y la edad en los dos sexos. Se presentó también una correlación del área de sección transversal y la longitud del paladar blando. Conclusiones: la Tomografía Computarizada de Haz de Cono proporciona una imagen tridimensional confiable de la relación espacial entre los dientes y la cara y sus estructuras anatómicas circundantes permitiendo una evaluación adecuada de los tejidos.

Background: changes in the normal function of the airway during the active process of facial growth can have a significant influence on facial development. Objective: to present the usefulness of the evaluation of airway Beam Computed Tomography Cone. Methods: images of 250 women and 128 men using the program Sidexis to Galilee were reviewed. The selection of areas to be measured was determined by the coordinates that pass through the canal in the sagittal plane nasopalatine and interproximal area of the upper central incisors in the coronal plane. Results:a moderate negative correlation, but statistically significant between patient age and area of the airway in both sexes was found. There was a moderate positive correlation, statistically significant between the length of the soft palate and age in both sexes. A correlation of cross-sectional area and length of the soft palate was also showed. Conclusions: the Beam Computed Tomography Cone provides a reliable three-dimensional image of the spatial relationship between the teeth and face and surrounding anatomical structures allowing adequate assessment of the tissues.

Separation of Leishmania-infected macrophages by step-SPLITT fractionation.

After a primary infection protocol of macrophages with Leishmania amazonensis, the percentage of infection drops as infection progresses and the uninfected population of macrophages mask the effects of infection for electrophysiological studies. In order to increase or maintain the infection percentage, we introduce an enrichment process after primary infection, which increases the possibility of following the infection longer times than any known process. A membraneless separation technique, step-SPLITT fractionation, implying flow and transverse gravity field in a ribbon-like channel, was used for enriching samples of macrophages infected with particles and with L. amazonensis. We demonstrate the capability of the s-SPLITT of generating, from a mixture resulting from a primary infection, an enriched and a depleted fraction with infected cells, without using any selective labeling pre-processing. It is also shown that a continuous sorting is possible without damaging cells and the losses of matter into the separation chamber is minimal.

Leishmania amazonensis infection may affect the ability of the host macrophage to be activated by altering their outward potassium currents.

Understanding the impact of intracellular pathogens on the behaviour of their host cells is key to designing new interventions. We are interested in how Leishmania alters the electrical functioning of the plasma membrane of the macrophage it infects. The specific question addressed here is whether Leishmania amazonensis infection alters the macrophage's outward currents and what the consequences of such changes might be. Using the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique, we show that outward peak current density remains constant over the period studied but that time to peak and sensitivity to inhibitors vary during infection. Infected cells take 40% longer to activate and are more sensitive to the potassium channel inhibitor tetraethyl ammonium, compared to control cells, indicating increased potassium outward current activity. Activation of macrophages is associated with increases of nitric oxide production and membrane area, depolarization of the macrophage membrane, down regulation of inward potassium and up regulation of outward currents. After Leishmania infection, macrophage activation is characterised by a reduction of nitric oxide production and of outward current density. We therefore suggest that this reflects a weaker activation.

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis growth in vitro culture relies more on folic acid availability than Leihsmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

We compared the in vitro growth of promastigotes from two Leishmania species in TC-100 and Schneider media. Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis replication rates were similar in both tissue culture media and reached maximum rates by 48 h. In contrast Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis growth was significantly greater in TC-100 but maximum rates were achieved by 96 h. Folic acid appears to be the limiting factor and supplementation of Schneider media with this nutrient improved L. (V.) braziliensis replication rates and decreased the time of maximum replication to 48 h.

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis growth in vitro culture relies more on folic acid availability than Leihsmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

We compared the in vitro growth of promastigotes from two Leishmania species in TC-100 and Schneider media. Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis replication rates were similar in both tissue culture media and reached maximum rates by 48 h. In contrast Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis growth was significantly greater in TC-100 but maximum rates were achieved by 96 h. Folic acid appears to be the limiting factor and supplementation of Schneider media with this nutrient improved L. (V.) braziliensis replication rates and decreased the time of maximum replication to 48 h.